"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. -Acts 20:24"
Life is often compared to a race, and that makes complete sense. It is hard, and requires lots of effort. Most often it is compared to a foot race, but after some consideration I think it is closer to something like the Baja 500. For those who don't know, this is an off-road race in the desert that is 500 miles long. It is hot, dusty, and long. It is in the desert filled with rocky patches, jumps, bumps, and other obstacles.
I think Life is aptly compared, and expanded upon from the Baja 500. We are all on the track of life. We get a GPS, and have the option of a co-pilot. The thing is, we are all in our own class, and the course is different for each of us. It is full of various obstacles to navigate, and though it seems like some of them are impossible, they are not with the right GPS and co-pilot. Last, and most important piece is that no matter how many times you go off track (and you will go off track) you are still allowed back on the course.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3. God gave us his Holy Spirit to be the GPS of our race, and Jesus to be our best co-pilot. Jesus is suitably the best co-pilot, because he is the only one to complete his entire track without going off course. He knows how to navigate all of the obstacles, and if we listen we too will be able to navigate the obstacles.
Having your own class in the race is great, because it allows us each to complete the race we have set apart for us without worrying about beating out others. This also allows us all to help and encourage each other when our paths cross. It is all about getting as many to their finish line as possible
The course is different for each of us, and though sometimes the courses align, we still must complete our own races. The awesome part about each being in our own classes is that we have the opportunity to help everybody finish the race. If somebody is off the road, we can offer assistance, or encourage them on. Your track purposely crosses other paths, and it is your job to take the initiative to help them get or stay on their track.
The best part about the race is that you are always allowed back on. There are no disqualifications for going off track. As long as you end the race on the track, you finish. It does not matter how many times you leave your co-pilot Jesus on the side, he is waiting to get back in when you are ready. The incorrect track is easy to get onto, because sometimes that track looks easier then the one you are told to be on. The problem however is that it could easily become more difficult then the main track ever will be. The important part is getting back on track. Do everything that needs to be done, and start going the way you are directed. No matter how discouraging it may seem with each stint off of the track, one must just buck up and get back on track.
When I get to the end of my track I look forward to saying “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7. I am trucking along on my track going off daily, but I am committed to finishing the race; helping as many as I can along the way.
